Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen)

Quick verdict

The Nest Mini was the cheapest way to put Google voice control and a Google Cast target in every room, and it remains a useful Cast/TTS endpoint for Home Assistant if you already own one. Google ended production in June 2026 (existing units stay supported), so treat it as remaining-stock or secondhand only. Audio quality is modest but fine for voice responses and announcements, and it is fully cloud-dependent with no smart home hub radios.

Standout: Ultra-compact, cheap Google Cast target that Home Assistant can use for local TTS announcements.

Last checked: 2026-07-19

Compatibility snapshot

Why it stands out

• compact and affordable way to add Google voice control to any room
• Home Assistant can use it as a media player and TTS target via Google Cast
• wall-mountable design with a small footprint

Reasons to hesitate

• fully cloud-dependent with no offline functionality
• audio quality is limited by the small speaker size
• no smart home hub radios — no Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Thread
• production ended June 2026 (Google says existing units stay fully supported); the successor is the Gemini-focused Google Home Speaker

Best for

• Google Home users who want affordable voice control in every room
• Home Assistant users who need cheap Google Cast speakers for TTS announcements

Avoid if

• you want good audio quality for music listening
• privacy and offline operation are important to you

Privacy and local-control notes

Google processes all voice commands in the cloud. Google collects voice and usage data. Home Assistant can cast audio to it locally via Google Cast. Microphone mute switch physically disconnects the mic.

Home Assistant support: supported · integration path: Google Cast.

Buying reality check

Price notes: One of the cheapest smart speakers available, but Google ended production in June 2026, so new stock is whatever retailers have left. Existing units keep working and Google says they remain fully supported.

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